What are the Hottest Toys This Season?

As we’re gearing up for the holiday season – Thanksgiving and Black Friday will be here before we know it – it’s always good to get an idea of what’s hot this season in case you want to grab now some of the toys that may no longer be available right before the holidays. I got a chance to preview some incredible new toys this season that impressed the heck out of me (and that I know I’ll be earmarking for my holiday gift list).

PlaySkool Sesame Street Love2Learn Elmo

Between my three kids, they probably have 4 or 5 different Elmos – some that get tickled, some that sing and dance – all are adorable! The Love2Learn Elmo is unique in that you can use an app to program it to say your child’s name and other details about her. Elmo can teach about numbers and colors, as well as offer encouragement (potty training, anyone?) Elmo features over 350 responses and multiple sensors that react to touch – all can be programmed to personalize it. For ages 18 months and up. Buy it on Amazon for $56.99.

Simon Air

Remember Simon? If you grew up in the 80’s you know what I’m talking about – the musical game which lights up. Here’s an updated version with a new twist: Simon Air senses hand motion and registers the correct sequences. For one or two players, perfect for long car rides. Recommended for ages 8 and up. You can buy it on Amazon for $19.14.

My Fairy Garden – Magical Cottage

Ok, so maybe this toy is kind of for me (ahem!) but I really think this is the cutest thing ever! A plant and a toy all rolled in to one, this garden includes quick-germinating seeds so you can cultivate small plants and even add your own seeds. The set includes everything you need (including soil), plus accessories – fairy and her chipmunk, gardening accessories and even cottage furniture for pretend play when you’re done gardening. For ages 4 and up. You can buy it here for $26.95.

Our Generation Sweet Stop Ice Cream Truck

What kid isn’t obsessed with the ice cream truck?! This awesome truck is made for Our Generation dolls (my daughter had one when she was younger and loved it – I loved the price!) but you can use it with any type of doll you want, or even no dolls at all. It comes with dozens of accessories – a variety of ice creams, shakes and desserts – and features 3 songs, plus working headlights and windshield wipers. The roof comes down to create a little seating area with chairs. For kids ages 3 and up. You can buy it here or on Amazon for $109.99 – $148.00.

LeapFrog Count Along Cash Register

If you ask young kids what they want to do most they’ll all say the same thing: be big! Pretend play allows them to be grownups for a little while and what’s more grownup than having to do errands?! Grocery shopping becomes real for kids with this interactive register: it sings and talks and enables kids to learn about colors, numbers and counting, as well as food sorting and more. For kids ages 2 and up. Buy it on Amazon for $19.99.

Snuggles, My Dream Puppy

My kids have been begging for a dog or a cat. At this point, they’ll have to settle for Snuggles – an almost-real puppy. Snuggles responds to your action like a real puppy: he’ll fall asleep when you feed him his bottle and he’ll close his eyes and make adorable sounds when you pat his head or rub his tummy. No need to walk him or take him to the vet! For kids age 6 and up. You can buy it on Amazon for $49.99.

Brainspin

The perfect stocking stuffer, this game really bring out the creativity in your kids and gets them to think outside the box. Players have to write down everything they see, based on the cards they have, with each card featuring a simple shape. The more unique ideas they come up with – the bigger their chance to win, as they have to convince their opponents of their wacky creations. For players 2-10, ages 7 and up. You can buy it on Amazon for $4.95.

I was not compensated for this post. I received a gift bag at the event.

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Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is the owner of Mama’s Bites and has also written for The Huffington Post. She has been living in New York City for fourteen years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but blogging is her true passion. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids (ages 9, 7 and 4) and loves finding great products that make her family’s life easier. What are the Hottest Toys This Season? Toys, kids, The Toy Insider, holidays